(Moderation)

“Edmund was very abstemious; his breakfast consisted of one or two cups of tea, some bread and butter; his dinner was very plain and his drink only water.”  He encouraged the Brothers to practise other forms of penance too.  “Though living such austere lives, the brothers in Mt. Sion were a very happy and united community with the Founder as their leader.  His kindness was universal but showed itself particularly to the sick and in his deep concern for anyone who appeared lonely or in trouble.  For these he had ever a word of consolation and encouragement, and seemed to have the power of dispelling sorrow.”

(Fragments from “A Tree is Planted”, by Brother M C Normoyle, p. 88) 

Prayer:

Oh most kind God,

You have given us such an abundance of good things in life.

Help us to enjoy all these gifts with thanks.

And, like Edmund, may we be conscious of the need for penance.

In solidarity with those who have little to eat or drink, let us abstain from excesses in the things we have, and so contribute materially to the less fortunate. 

This we ask in the name of Christ, who had a special affinity with the poor.

Amen.